The Delhi Cabinet on Monday approved an increase in the rate of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) by five per cent. A bottle of Teacher’s Highland Cream Blended Scotch will now cost R1630, an increase of R80, at
liquor shops in Delhi. Similarly, Johnnie Walker Red Label Old Scotch will now cost R1,420 for a 750ml bottle, an increase of R70.

Senior Delhi government officials said the revised rates are part of the new excise policy for the year 2013-2014, which was cleared by the Cabinet on Monday.

Though the government has made no change in licence fee for hotels, clubs and restaurants for serving liquor, officials said the hotels and bars may also marginally increase the price of the liquor they serve due to increase in input cost.

“The increase has only been marginal. We will see if we also need to revise the rates,” said manager of a popular resto-bar in central Delhi, requesting anonymity.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said the new excise policy focuses on better availability of quality liquor in Delhi.

“The marginal hike in different quality and brands of liquor would come into force after issue of a notification,” Dikshit, who also holds the charge of excise department, said.